The Minnesota Vikings were the talk of the town last season, pulling off a 14-win surprise with quarterback Sam Darnold stepping up to steer what was expected to be a rebuilding squad. It was the kind of unexpected success story that makes football so thrilling. Now, as we gear up for the 2025 season, there’s some real uncertainty about how this rejuvenated squad will fare, especially with several key players, including Darnold, having moved on.

The competition in the NFC North is gearing up to be fierce. The time is ripe for speculation, and experts are buzzing with predictions and conversations about the upcoming season. The early 2025 NFC Power Rankings have made waves, especially among Vikings fans looking for some bulletin board material to rally around.

FanDuel Sportsbook stoked the flames by sharing their “way too early NFC power rankings” on X. Sitting at the tenth spot, the Vikings find themselves trailing their divisional rivals in the rankings.

It’s a placement that has Vikings loyalists scratching their heads. Has FanDuel predicted a drop-off in Minnesota’s performance on both sides of the ball?

It’s clear they’re expecting some growing pains.

Sitting just ahead of the Vikings at No. 9 are the Seattle Seahawks, who now boast Sam Darnold as their field general. Over at No. 3, the Detroit Lions have undergone significant changes, having lost both their coordinators. Yet, expectations are sky-high for the Lions.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears, holding firm at No. 5, are creating a buzz with their promising outlook. They’re perched just above the Green Bay Packers, a youthful crew expected to make some noise despite a quiet offseason.

For those who buy into the offseason reinforcements by Minnesota and have faith in the potential of new quarterback J.J. McCarthy, FanDuel’s ranking might seem like a slap in the face. These power rankings foresee a season where the Eagles, Lions, Rams, and Buccaneers take the divisional crowns, leaving the Commanders, Bears, and Packers to battle it out as wild-card contenders.

It’s surprising to see the Vikings positioned so low, especially after a strong offseason filled with strategic signings and the ascension of a promising young quarterback. But let’s not forget, this kind of skepticism can be just the catalyst needed to spark a fire in the Vikings’ camp.

If the Vikings can channel this perceived slight into motivation, they might surprise not just their doubters, but the entire league come the 2025 NFL season. If not, Vikings fans might be in for a challenging ride. One thing’s for sure, though, football is never short on drama.